Thick smoke from Burnie shed fire blankets Shorewell Park

A shed fire at the rear of a residential property in Burnie is sending thick black smoke over the south of the city this evening.

Tasmania Fire Service crews are responding to the blaze at Townsend Place in Shorewell Park.

The fire has triggered a smoke alert for residents in Three Mile Line, Shorewell Park and Mooreville.

Authorities are urging people to avoid the immediate area while crews work to bring the fire under control.

“There is no threat to the general public,” the Tasmania Fire Service said.

“People who don’t need to be in the immediate area should stay away.”

Witnesses have reported seeing flames and heavy smoke rising above backyard fences in the neighbourhood.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.